Wireless communication over a transducer device

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

0001This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/942,372, entitled “Wireless Communication over a Transducer Device, ” filed on Aug. 29, 2001, which itself claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/296,229 entitled “System and Method for Wireless Communication,” filed on Jun. 6, 2001 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/276,398 entitled “Techniques for a Wireless Communication System,” filed on Mar. 16, 2001, the entire teachings of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002Inductive antenna devices have been incorporated in transceivers to transmit and receive wireless signals for quite some time. In a typical application, a transceiver device supporting bi-directional communication includes two specifically tuned antennas, one of which is tuned for transmitting while the other is tuned for receiving.

0003Unlike RF (Radio Frequency) antennas, inductive antennas are often independently tuned for more efficiently transmitting or receiving wireless signals. For example, inductive antennas used for transmitting are generally tuned so they effectively have a low impedance. Conversely, inductive antennas used for receiving are typically tuned so they effectively have a high impedance. Most inductive systems supporting two-way communications include separate antenna devices, each of which is tuned for either transmitting or receiving at a particular carrier frequency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0004Recent advancements in integrated circuit technology render it possible to reduce an overall size of wireless transceiver devices. Additionally, the size and weight of power sources for powering corresponding wireless devices has been reduced to support increased portability. That is, wireless transceiver devices are now smaller than ever before. As a result, a relative size and weight associated with the use of individual antennas for transmitting and receiving can be prohibitive due to space restrictions in certain wireless applications.

0005It would be an advancement in the art to reduce the power, cost, size and weight of a transceiver system such as a transducer and related circuitry for transmitting and receiving wireless signals based on inductive coupling.

0006One aspect of the present invention is generally directed towards a system and method of tuning a transducer for transceiving, i.e., transmitting or receiving, wireless signals. In an illustrative embodiment, a single transducer is coupled to a circuit for either transmitting or receiving. Generally, electrical characteristics of the circuit can be adjusted to increase a magnetic field generated by the transducer. Characteristics of the circuit also can be adjusted for receiving a magnetic field. Accordingly, a single transducer device can be tuned for either transmitting or receiving a wireless signal.

0007In one application, the circuit to which the transducer is coupled is broken into two components such as first and second circuits. The transducer can be coupled to and tuned by the first circuit for transmitting, while the transducer can be coupled to and tuned by the second circuit for receiving. Characteristics of the first and second circuits can be adjusted using passive circuit components such as capacitors, inductors and resistors. Such circuit components are typically inexpensive and can be easily mounted to a circuit board. Further, the first and second circuits can include active circuits for tuning the transducer for transmitting or receiving.

0008In a specific application, a capacitance of the first circuit can be adjusted to reduce an effective impedance of the transducer for transmitting a wireless signal. Also, a capacitance of the second circuit can be adjusted to increase an effective impedance of the transducer for receiving a wireless signal. Accordingly, a single transducer can be switched or time-multiplexed between the first and second circuits to support bidirectional communication with a transceiver device at a remote location. By adjusting the electrical characteristics of a corresponding circuit, higher coupling efficiency can be achieved between the tuned transducer and a remote transmitter or receiver.

0009The first and second circuits can be adjusted for transmitting and receiving at different carrier frequencies. For example, a reactance or impedance of the first circuit can be adjusted for transmitting a magnetically encoded signal at a first carrier frequency while characteristics of the second circuit can be adjusted to receive a magnetically encoded signal at a second carrier frequency.

0010Further, the first or second circuit can be adjusted for respectively transmitting or receiving over the transducer at different frequencies during different time intervals. More specifically, the transducer and first circuit can be adjusted to transmit at a first carrier frequency for a first time interval, and the transducer and first circuit can be adjusted or tuned to transmit at a second carrier frequency during another time interval. Also, the transducer can be adjusted to receive on two different carrier frequencies during two different time intervals by adjusting the second circuit when coupled to the transducer. Thus, a single transducer can be dynamically tuned in the field to transmit at multiple carrier frequencies and receive at multiple carrier frequencies.

0011One method of tuning the transducer for transmitting involves disposing an inductive element in the second circuit. Preferably, the inductive element has an inductance approximately matching that of the transducer. In other words, a portion of circuitry used for tuning the transducer for transmitting can be nullified by matching an inductive element in the second circuit with a portion of the first circuit.

0012The second circuit optionally includes at least a portion of the first circuit or can be coupled to the first circuit. For example, certain components such as a switch can be disposed for coupling a transmitter to the first circuit and transducer. Another switch can be positioned to couple at least a portion of the first circuit with the second circuit. Accordingly, the second circuit can be coupled to a portion of the first circuit for receiving a wireless signal over the transducer.

0013To support increased magnetic coupling efficiency, the first circuit can be used to serially tune the transducer for transmitting and the second circuit can be used to parallel tune the transducer for receiving. As previously discussed, the transducer generally is tuned to effectively have a high impedance for receiving and a low impedance for transmitting.

0014Another aspect of the present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for supporting communication via magnetic coupling. Generally, the method involves switching to select either transmitting or receiving over a transducer. A first circuit effectively tunes the transducer to a low impedance device for generating a magnetic field when a transmitter is switched to transmit over the transducer. A second circuit effectively tunes the transducer be a high impedance for receiving a magnetic field when a receiver is switched to receive over the transducer. Thus, a common transducer device can be tuned to transmit or receive a magnetic field depending on whether the transducer is tuned to be a high or low impedance device. The ability to select either transmitting or receiving over a single transducer is particularly advantageous in space restricted applications because at least one otherwise necessary transducer can be eliminated.

0015While in a transmit mode, the transducer can be serially tuned by reducing an overall reactance or impedance of the first circuit including the transducer. This can be achieved by substantially matching an inductance of the transducer with a capacitance of the first circuit so that the corresponding reactance of each component cancels or nullifies each other. Thus, a single transducer can be dynamically tuned to transmit a wireless signal.

0016Switching functionality can be employed to support coupling of a transmitter and first circuit to the transducer for transmitting. Likewise, switching functionality can be employed to support coupling a receiver to a second circuit and the transducer for receiving.

0017In a specific application, the transmitter driving the transducer and related circuit generates an output at one of two voltages. For example, the transmitter can be controlled to produce a series of high and low voltage outputs for a specified duration of time to drive the transducer. The transducer in turn will generate a corresponding magnetic field depending on the applied voltage.

0018A resistance can be disposed in series with the transducer to adjust a Q (quality or efficiency factor) of the circuit for transmitting and receiving over a particular resonant frequency. Adjusting the Q of the circuit has an effect on the bandwidth of data information that can be transmitted or received at a particular carrier frequency to which the transducer is tuned.

0019The combined impedance of the first circuit and transducer can be adjusted or tuned for generating a maximal magnetic power output of the transducer at a particular carrier frequency. For example, characteristics such as the impedance of certain components in the first circuit can be dynamically adjusted so that the transducer produces a maximal magnetic field at a particular carrier frequency. Accordingly, the battery life of a transceiver can be extended because a transducer can be adjusted for efficient use.

0020In certain applications, an impedance of both the first and second circuits can be adjusted for transmitting and receiving over a substantially similar carrier frequency. Thus, a single transducer can be used to transmit and receive over a common carrier frequency without interfering with other wireless devices potentially using other carrier frequencies in the wireless spectrum.

0021One technique for tuning the transducer involves adjusting a reactance of the first and second circuit by selectively switching capacitors in parallel to increase or decrease a capacitance of a capacitor bank. This technique of tuning can be used to select at which carrier frequency the transducer is tuned to transmit or receive.

0022Although the first circuit can be adjusted to tune a particular transducer, the transducer itself can be an adjustable element for tuning with a corresponding circuit. It is thus possible to adjust a combined impedance of the first circuit and transducer for transmitting or receiving via an adjustable transducer device.

0023One method of tuning a circuit for transmitting a maximal or increased wireless signal from the transducer involves positioning a second transducer to receive at least a portion of a magnetic signal transmitted from the first transducer. While driving a combination of the first circuit and transducer with the transmitter, a reactance of the first circuit can be adjusted to determine which setting of the first circuit produces a maximal signal at the receiving second transducer. In other words, feedback from a pickup or second transducer can be used to tune the transducer for transmitting. Likewise, the second transducer can generate a wireless signal while a receiving transducer and related circuitry is adjusted to optimally receive the generated wireless signal.

0024Switching techniques according to the principles of the present invention enable a single transducer to transmit and receive based on time division multiplexing. In a specific application, the transducer supports half duplex communication with a remote receiver. That is, the transducer can transmit to a remote transceiver during specified intervals and receive from the remote transceiver during other time intervals.

0025In yet another more specific application, a transmitter can be decoupled from the first circuit and transducer while at least a portion of the first circuit and transducer are coupled to the second circuit. A reactance of one or multiple components in the first circuit and a reactance of one or multiple components in the second circuit can be positioned to substantially cancel each other. For example, an inductor in the second circuit can be matched with the inductance of the transducer or a capacitance of the first circuit to reduce a combined impedance or reactance of both circuits to tune the transducer for receiving.

0026An electronic switch circuit can enable coupling and decoupling of the transmitter from the first circuit and transducer. When decoupled, the transmitter generally does not negatively affect the functionality of the transducer when set to a receiving mode since it is disconnected via an open switch.

0027Instead of a single transducer, multiple transducers can be utilized for transmitting and receiving. Each of the multiple transducers can be uniquely oriented so that a generated magnetic field can be coupled with a remote transceiver having an unknown orientation.

0028In one application incorporating multiple transducers, the first and second circuits are switched to receive over one of the multiple transducers. Alternatively, each transducer can have its own dedicated first and second circuits for tuning the corresponding transducer for transmitting and receiving. More specifically, dedicated circuitry coupled to a corresponding transducer can be adjusted for transmitting or receiving at a particular carrier frequency as previously discussed for a single transducer application.

0029To increase wireless coupling with a remote transceiver, the multiple transducers can be positioned so they are uniquely oriented with respect to each other. For example, three transducers can be positioned substantially orthogonal to each other. Consequently, at least one of the transducers typically can be used to communicate with a remote target transceiver regardless of its orientation with respect to the multiple transducers.

0030In yet another application including multiple transducers, the first and second circuits can be switched for transmitting on one of the transducers while receiving on another transducer. If no signal is received from a remote transceiver device on a selected one of the multiple transducers, another transducer can be selected to receive a magnetic signal. The unique orientation of the multiple transducers ensures that a magnetic signal can be received from at least one of the transducers at all times.

0031When the multiple transducers are positioned near each other, circuitry for tuning a particular transducer can be adjusted while one transducer is transmitting and one transducer is receiving. For example, a selected transducer in a group of multiple transducers can be tuned for transmitting a signal while another transducer in the group and related circuitry can be selected to receive the transmitted signal. During reception, characteristics of the transmitting transducer and related circuit can be adjusted so that an increased signal is received at the receiver. Similarly, the transducer and related circuitry selected to receive the signal can be adjusted for optimal reception while transmitting on a different transducer. Generally, the intensity of a received signal can be monitored to tune a circuit for optimally receiving or transmitting over a transducer.

0032Another aspect of the present invention is also directed towards an apparatus and method for supporting communication via inductive coupling. Generally, one of multiple circuit paths can be selected for either transmitting or receiving over a transducer. An overall impedance of a first circuit path including the transducer can be reduced for transmitting an inductive signal over the transducer. An overall impedance of at least a portion of a second path can be reduced for receiving an inductive signal over the transducer. Thus, a single transducer can be used to transmit or receive depending on which of multiple circuit paths is switched for transmitting or receiving.

0033More specifically, when the transmitter is switched to transmit over the transducer via the first circuit path, an overall impedance of the first circuit path including the transducer can be reduced by substantially matching a reactance of the transducer with circuit components disposed along the first path. For example, an inductance of the transducer can be cancelled via a capacitance switched into the first circuit path. Thus, the first circuit can have an impedance that is almost entirely real, i.e., there is little or no reactance in the first circuit path. Accordingly, the transducer can be tuned for efficiently generating a wireless signal such a magnetic field for inductive communications.

0034Circuit components for adjusting an impedance of a circuit path can include passive elements such as resistors, inductors and capacitors.

0035The second circuit path can be coupled to the first circuit path via a serially disposed switch. Consequently, the second circuit path can effectively include the first circuit path for receiving over the transducer. During reception, a transmitter is optionally decoupled from the first circuit path so that it has a minimal effect on characteristics of the second circuit path.

0036The second circuit path also can be coupled to a receiver for receiving over the transducer, while at least a portion of a reactance along the second circuit path is reduced by substantially matching a reactance of the transducer with at least one circuit component disposed along the second circuit path. For example, the second circuit path can include a serially disposed inductive element matched with the transducer for reducing a reactance along the second circuit path. Thus, a signal received at the transducer can be coupled more effectively to an input of the receiver. In a specific application, an inductance of the serially disposed inductive element substantially matches an inductance of the transducer.

0037Further, a reactance of components disposed along the second circuit path can be matched to cancel a reactance of at least a portion of a reactance of components along the first circuit path so that a reactance of at least a portion of the overall circuit path is reduced. Accordingly, a transducer can be coupled to a receiver input via a circuit path that is less susceptible to noise.

0038Prior to transmitting, a combined reactance along the first circuit path including the transducer can be tuned to increase a magnetic power output of the transducer at a particular carrier frequency.

0039Another aspect of the present invention concerns tuning a transducer for increased reception or transmission. For example, a second transducer can be positioned to receive a portion of the magnetic signal transmitted from a first transducer. While driving the first transducer via a connection through the first circuit path, an impedance along the first circuit path can be adjusted so that an increased signal is received at the second transducer. Alternatively, an impedance along the second circuit path can be adjusted for increased reception of a magnetic signal. For example, a transducer can be coupled to receive over the second circuit path while a signal is received from a second transducer. During reception, the transducer and related circuitry along the second circuit can be tuned for increased reception of the received signal. Accordingly, a single transducer can be tuned for optimally receiving or transmitting.

0040One of multiple transducers can be selected and an impedance along a corresponding circuit path can be adjusted to respectively transmit or receive. In one application, the multiple transducers are orthogonally disposed with respect to each other.

0041Another aspect of the present invention involves tuning the transducer with a capacitance in parallel with the transducer. For example, a capacitance can be disposed along a circuit path in parallel with the transducer for efficient tuning.

0042The previously discussed aspects of the present invention have advantages over the prior art. For example, one application of the present invention involves utilizing a relatively small transducer or multiple transducers for transmitting and receiving wireless information. In this instance, a hands-free headset or transceiver device supporting transmitting and receiving wireless audio data information can include minimal components such as a speaker, microphone, battery pack, processor circuitry and a transducer device. The size and weight of the transducer device for transmitting and receiving wireless signals can be significantly reduced because a single transducer (potentially one of multiple selectively activated transducers) can be tuned for both transmitting and receiving. Thus, the overall size and weight of the transducer system can be reduced so that a hands-free headset can be more comfortably worn by a user.

0043In one application, a hands-free headset is so small that it is easily clipped or secured to an ear. In such an application, size and weight of the transceiver more significantly affects whether the headset device can be comfortably worn by a user.

0044Based on other principles of the present invention, a transducer device can be dynamically adjusted for transmitting and receiving over an optimal carrier frequency. For instance, one or multiple transceiver devices can be dynamically adjusted in the field to optimize use of an available wireless spectrum. Interference can be reduced among multiple transceivers in the same general vicinity by dynamically tuning corresponding transducers for receiving and transmitting over different carrier frequencies. Dynamic tuning of a transducer device typically can be achieved in a relatively short period of time when electronic switches are provided to adjust corresponding circuitry coupled with respective transducers.

0045Previously, a single transducer was typically employed to transmit a wireless signal while another transducer was employed to receive a wireless signal at a fixed frequency. As mentioned, employing individual transducers in this manner to transmit and receive can be costly in terms of size and weight.

0046Dynamic tuning of one or multiple transducer devices according to the principles of the present invention has other benefits. For example, a transducer device can be optimally tuned in the field for transmitting and receiving at a particular carrier frequency and bandwidth. When properly tuned, a wireless link is generally more reliable. That is, attempted data transmissions are more likely to be received at a target device. In a bi-directional audio communication device, it is therefore less likely that a user will have to repeat a verbal message due to lost data.

0047Yet another benefit of the present invention relates to battery life. Dynamic tuning of a transducer device in a particular environment can ensure that a significant portion of energy dissipated by the transducer and related circuit is directed towards generating a wireless signal such as a magnetic field rather than being needlessly dissipated by related circuitry. In other words, the energy expended per bit of data transmitted to a target device can be optimized or minimized for a particular application. As a result, the effective energy spent for transmitting a wireless signal can be minimized and a corresponding battery powering the transceiver device typically can last longer. This is especially advantageous in applications in which the transceiver device is powered by coin-sized batteries and must transmit significant amounts of data to a remote target transceiver device.

0048According to other aspects of the present invention, electronic circuitry can be shared among multiple transducer devices for transmitting and receiving wireless data signals. For example, an electronic circuit for transmitting and receiving can be switched among multiple transducers, each of which has unique electronic characteristics that effect tuning. A dynamically tuned circuit can provide a range of tuning capability so that each of multiple unique transducers can be optimally tuned for transmitting or receiving. Thus, component variations in the transducer devices can be dynamically compensated in the field on short order.

0049In one application, a transducer device is tuned based upon feedback by a receiving transducer. More specifically, a transducer in the transceiver device can generate a wireless signal while another transducer in the same transceiver device can monitor the generated signal. Accordingly, a transducer can be dynamically tuned in the field for receiving or transmitting based on feedback from another transducer located within the same transceiver device. Again, energy is not needlessly wasted while generating a wireless signal to a remote target device.

0050Characteristics of electronic components can decay over time. Since such components are typically selected to tune a transducer device for transmitting or receiving, a carrier frequency over which a transceiver device is set to transceive, e.g., transmit or receive, can vary as a result of a component's changing electronic characteristics. For example, a capacitance of an electronic component for tuning a transducer to a specific carrier frequency can change under certain environmental conditions such as extreme temperature or humidity. This can result in a shift in a resonant frequency and less efficient coupling between two transceiver devices. According to the principles of the present invention, a transducer device can be dynamically tuned to compensate for aging, temperature or other environmental conditions for optimally transmitting or receiving a wireless signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0051The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a transceiver system according to certain principles of the present invention.

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram of a transducer and related circuitry for transmitting and receiving according to certain principles of the present invention.

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a circuit diagram including an adjustable varactor capacitor in which a transducer is tuned for receiving according to certain principles of the present invention.

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a varactor capacitor and tuning a transducer for receiving according to certain principles of the present invention.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a circuit diagram including an adjustable varactor capacitor in which a transducer is tuned for transmitting according to certain principles of the present invention.

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a varactor capacitor for transmitting over a transducer according to certain principles of the present invention.

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a circuit including an adjustable transducer according to certain principles of the present invention.

0059<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a variable inductor transducer for transmitting according to certain principles of the present invention.

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a circuit diagram including a capacitor bank for tuning a transducer device according to certain principles of the present invention.

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a capacitance provided by a capacitor bank that tunes a transducer for transmitting according to certain principles of the present invention.

0062<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a circuit diagram including a first transducer for transmitting a wireless signal and second transducer for receiving a wireless signal according to certain principles of the present invention.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for tuning a transducer according to certain principles of the present invention.

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a circuit diagram of a transceiver system including multiple transducers for transmitting and receiving wireless signals according to certain principles of the present invention.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for tuning a transducer for transmitting or receiving according to certain principles of the present invention.

0066<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a circuit diagram for tuning a transducer for receiving according to certain principles of the present invention.

0067<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a circuit diagram for tuning one of multiple transducers according to certain principles of the present invention.

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a circuit diagram for transmitting and receiving over one of multiple transducers according to certain principles of the present invention.

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a circuit diagram for tuning one of multiple transducers according to certain principles of the present invention.

0070<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a diagram of a capacitor bank according to certain principles of the present invention.

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a wireless system for two-way communications according to certain principles of the present invention.

0072<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a circuit diagram illustrating a transceiver system for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal over a single transducer according to certain principles of the present invention.

0073<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a circuit diagram illustrating yet another transceiver system for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal over a single transducer according to the principles of the present invention.

0074<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a detailed circuit diagram illustrating a transceiver system for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal according to certain principles of the present invention.

0075<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a detailed circuit diagram illustrating a transceiver system according to certain principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0076A description of preferred embodiments of the invention follows.

0077<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a transceiver system according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, a first transceiver <b>114</b> is coupled via an inductive or magnetic field to second transceiver <b>165</b>. First transceiver <b>114</b> is optionally portable so that its orientation is not fixed with respect to second transceiver <b>165</b>, which includes control circuit <b>161</b> and transducer <b>163</b>. Second transceiver <b>165</b> itself can be portable while first transceiver is a fixed. Further, first transceiver <b>114</b> and second transceiver <b>165</b> both can be portable so that they are mobile and oriented in any manner with respect to each other.

0078Additional details of transceiver devices and methods of communicating are discussed in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/053,107 filed on Apr. 1, 1998, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

0079Generally, tuning circuit <b>144</b> and related circuitry is controlled by processor <b>142</b> to transmit over transducer <b>113</b> while tuning circuit <b>146</b> is controlled by processor <b>142</b> to receive over transducer <b>113</b>. Tuning information can be stored in memory <b>140</b> and retrieved by processor <b>142</b> for setting corresponding circuitry.

0080More specific details of transceiving (transmitting and/or receiving) wireless signals according to the principles of the present invention are discussed relative to the following figures.

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a transducer for transmitting and receiving wireless signals according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, a single transducer <b>113</b> can be employed to receive and transmit time-multiplexed wireless signals such as encoded magnetic fields.

0082One aspect of the present invention involves transmitting and receiving a wireless signal such as a magnetic field over transducer <b>113</b>. In a specific embodiment, a single transducer <b>113</b> can be tuned via impedance network <b>110</b> for transmitting and receiving at different times. For example, transducer <b>113</b> can be tuned to receive for a specified duration of time, while at other times, transducer <b>113</b> can be tuned to transmit for a duration of time. Accordingly, a single transducer can support bi-directional communications with one or multiple remote transceivers. The use of a single transducer supporting bi-directional communications can be particularly advantageous in space restricted applications.

0083As previously discussed, transducer <b>113</b> can be an inductive device for generating a wireless signal such as a magnetic field. In such an application, transducer <b>113</b> can be a coiled strand of wire. A magnetic field can be generated when a current is driven through the coiled wire. A ferrite rod can be disposed at a core of the coiled strand of wire to enhance directional or signal strength characteristics of transducer <b>113</b> for receiving and transmitting a magnetic field. In a specific application, transducer <b>113</b> includes a 3×25 mm (millimeters) ferrite rod having eight turns of wire. However, specific attributes of transducer <b>113</b> can vary depending on a particular application.

0084As shown, network <b>110</b> includes capacitor C<b>111</b>, resistor R<b>112</b>, transducer <b>113</b>, capacitor C<b>114</b>, inductor L<b>115</b>, and capacitor C<b>116</b>. Although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a specific network configuration including multiple electronic circuit elements for tuning transducer <b>113</b>, network <b>110</b> can be modified while still achieving the principles of the present invention.

0085In other words, functional aspects of the circuit as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> can be achieved using other circuit configurations. For example, capacitors C<b>106</b> and C<b>116</b> can be combined into one capacitor.

0086In practice, resistor R<b>112</b> is a model for the parasitic resistance of transducer <b>113</b>. The value of R<b>112</b> can be dynamically controlled to change the operating efficiency, Q. For example, R<b>112</b> can be adjusted to change an effective bandwidth at which a tuned transducer transmits or receives a wireless signal. This can be achieved by switching additional resistors in parallel with R<b>112</b>.

0087Consequently, a transducer device can be tuned in two ways. First, a transducer can be tuned to transmit or receive over a wider or narrower bandwidth centered around a resonant frequency. Also, a transducer can be dynamically tuned to efficiently transmit or receive at a selected resonant frequency.

0088In one application, a transducer is tuned to receive over a wide bandwidth while it is otherwise tuned to transmit over a narrower bandwidth. Such a transducer receiving over a wider bandwidth can potentially receive wireless signals from multiple transceiver devices transmitting at different resonant frequencies without having to re-tune the transducer to each of the different resonant frequencies.

0089Transceiver <b>100</b> typically includes circuitry for transmitting and receiving over transducer <b>113</b>. For example, transceiver <b>100</b> can include transmitter amplifier <b>102</b>, switch S<b>104</b>, switch S<b>105</b>, capacitor C<b>106</b>, and receiver amplifier <b>108</b>. In a transmit mode, switch S<b>104</b> and switch S<b>105</b> are both switched to the ‘T’ position and transmitter <b>102</b> drives transducer <b>113</b> and related circuitry as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Receiver circuit including L<b>115</b>, C<b>116</b>, C<b>106</b>, and receiver amplifier <b>108</b> are generally disconnected (via open switch S<b>105</b>) from transmitter circuit including amplifier <b>102</b>, S<b>104</b>, C<b>111</b>, C<b>114</b>, R<b>112</b> and transducer <b>113</b> while in a transmit mode.

0090Switches S<b>104</b> and S<b>105</b> can be electronically controlled BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) or FET (Field Effect Transistor) devices. When such devices are used, fast switching times can be achieved and transducer <b>113</b> can be quickly tuned to either transmit or receive. Consequently, a half duplex system including transducer <b>113</b> can be switched so fast that the system of the present invention appears to support full-duplex communications.

0091Other types of switches including mechanical devices such as relays, solenoids, and the like also can be used to switch between transmitting and receiving according to the principles of the present invention.

0092As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, switches S<b>104</b> and S<b>105</b> are switched to the ‘T’ position for transmitting. In a receive mode, S<b>104</b> and S<b>105</b> are both generally switched to position ‘R’ and receiver <b>108</b> receives a signal sensed by transducer <b>113</b>. Typically, switches S<b>104</b> and S<b>105</b> are driven by another electronic device controlled by, for example, a microprocessor that selects either transmitting or receiving.

0093Receiver <b>108</b> can be an amplifier device that senses a relatively small AC (Alternating Current) signal and amplifies it for further processing. For example, an amplitude varying voltage as sensed by transducer <b>113</b> can be amplified so that data such as digital information modulated onto a selected carrier frequency can be further processed by a microprocessor device. Receiver <b>108</b> can therefore be an amplifier device.

0094As discussed, one aspect of the present invention concerns tuning transducer <b>113</b> for transmitting and receiving at different intervals of time. In a transmit mode, a series LC circuit can be tuned to a selected carrier frequency so that the impedance of transducer <b>113</b> is effectively reduced. More specifically, an overall reactance (as seen by transmitter <b>102</b>) of combined circuitry C<b>111</b>, C<b>114</b>, R<b>112</b>, and transducer <b>113</b> can be effectively reduced so that a majority of energy is coupled to transducer <b>113</b> to generate a magnetic field. A portion of total energy will be dissipated by series resistor R<b>112</b>. However, the energy dissipated by R<b>112</b> is typically minimal and depends on the efficiency, Q, of the circuit.

0095Since a portion of the transmitter circuitry, i.e., capacitor C<b>111</b>, is in series with transducer <b>113</b>, its effects must be addressed while in the receive mode. For example, the capacitive effects of C<b>111</b> can be nullified by inductive effects of inductor L<b>115</b> when switches S<b>104</b> and S<b>105</b> are switched to receive mode.

0096During reception, a parallel LC circuit including transducer <b>113</b> generally can be tuned for optimal reception of a wireless signal such as a magnetic field. For example, receiver circuitry can be tuned to increase an effective impedance of transducer <b>113</b> so that a relatively large voltage develops at amplifier <b>108</b> as a result of a received wireless signal. A voltage generated by transducer <b>113</b> during reception can be coupled to input of receiver amplifier <b>108</b>, where the received signal is further amplified and digitally processed.

0097In one application, an impedance such as a reactance along a receiver circuit path including C<b>111</b>, S<b>105</b> and L<b>115</b> between transducer <b>113</b> and receiver <b>108</b> is reduced for better signal reception, i.e., the circuit can be tuned to achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio at receiver amplifier <b>108</b>. For example, inductor L<b>115</b> can be impedance matched to capacitor C<b>111</b> so that capacitors C<b>116</b>, C<b>114</b>, C<b>106</b>, and serial combination of R<b>112</b> and transducer <b>113</b> form a parallel tunable LC tank circuit. A substantial reactance of C<b>111</b> and L<b>115</b> can cancel each other while switched to a receive mode. As a result, C<b>114</b> can be effectively in parallel with C<b>106</b> and C<b>116</b> via a low impedance path including C<b>111</b>, S<b>105</b> and L<b>115</b>.

0098In a transmit mode, C<b>111</b> and C<b>114</b> are provided to tune transducer <b>113</b>. That is, a capacitance of C<b>111</b> and C<b>114</b> can be adjusted to cancel the inductive effects of transducer <b>113</b>. A ratio of C<b>111</b> to C<b>114</b> is typically selected to set a peak current driving transducer <b>113</b>.

0099Both C<b>114</b> and C<b>106</b> can be tunable capacitors for adjusting the resonant frequency of corresponding transmit and receive circuits. Consequently, capacitors C<b>114</b> and C<b>106</b> can be electrically or mechanically tuned so that the corresponding circuit resonates at a particular carrier frequency.

0100Transceiver device <b>112</b> can be tested at a factory to determine optimal settings for capacitors C<b>106</b> and C<b>114</b> for transmitting and receiving at a particular carrier frequency. Either or both capacitors C<b>106</b> and C<b>114</b> can be fixed to permanent values in the factory. In one application, C<b>106</b> and C<b>114</b> are set or adjusted to a value during an assembly and testing process of a transceiver device and switches S<b>104</b> and S<b>105</b> are thereafter used to select a mode of transmitting or receiving.

0101Alternatively, information concerning capacitor selection can be stored in memory and later retrieved to dynamically tune transducer <b>113</b> in the field depending on a particular application. More specifically, switch settings can be stored in a table and applied to select a capacitance of a particular capacitor bank to tune transducer <b>113</b> for transmitting or receiving at a particular carrier frequency. Information stored in memory can include binary data identifying which of multiple switches in a capacitor bank will be activated to select a particular capacitance of C<b>106</b> or C<b>114</b>.

0102During transmission, transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> generates a voltage that couples across resistor R<b>112</b> and transducer <b>113</b>. In one embodiment, transmitter <b>102</b> generates an output at one of two voltages from an electronic device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). For example, transmitter <b>102</b> can be designed to drive a binary voltage output of either 0 volts or 2 volts. By varying the voltage output at transmitter <b>102</b> at different frequencies or for different durations of time, data information such as binary encoded data can be modulated onto a carrier frequency and transmitted over transducer <b>113</b>. Thus, a digital integrated circuit device can be used to drive transducer <b>113</b>.

0103As an alternative to a binary voltage output at transmitter <b>102</b>, any other suitable voltage such as an analog sinusoidal voltage or other amplitude varying analog voltage can be used to effectively drive transducer <b>113</b> and related circuitry. Regardless of voltage type, a wireless signal can be generated by transducer <b>113</b> for coupling to one or multiple target devices.

0104In one application, transducer <b>113</b> is tuned to transmit and receive at a resonant frequency of around 12.0 MHZ. However, any other suitable resonant frequency generally can be used.

0105As previously discussed, capacitor C<b>106</b> and C<b>114</b> as well as other components shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> can be adjustable to provide tuning of transducer <b>113</b> for either transmitting or receiving.

0106In one embodiment, an adjustable capacitor is formed via a bank of parallel capacitors C<b>1110</b> that are potentially connected to ground via corresponding switches S<b>1120</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>. To select a particular capacitance for tuning transducer <b>113</b> for either transmitting or receiving, switches such as FET devices are activated to connect an end of a corresponding capacitor to ground. When more capacitors in capacitor bank C<b>1110</b> are connected to ground via corresponding switches, S<b>1120</b>, an effective capacitance of the bank increases. Conversely, an overall capacitance supplied by the capacitor bank decreases as capacitors are disconnected from ground via corresponding switches. Consequently, transducer <b>113</b> can be tuned to a particular resonant frequency by adjusting a reactance of circuits via switching for transmitting or receiving. As previously discussed, switch setting information can be stored as binary data in memory.

0107Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, capacitor C<b>116</b> can be selected to provide a majority of capacitance provided by combination of C<b>106</b>, C<b>114</b> and C<b>116</b>. Thus, one or multiple capacitors comprising C<b>106</b> can be components having a smaller capacitance value to provide fine tuning of combined capacitance of C<b>106</b> and C<b>116</b>. Likewise, C<b>111</b> can be selected to provide a majority of capacitance provided by combination of C<b>111</b> and C<b>114</b>, while C<b>114</b> itself can be a capacitor bank comprising many smaller capacitors for fine tuning. Note that C<b>114</b> and C<b>111</b> are set to control the maximum signal strength.

0108Another aspect of the present invention concerns selecting of components disposed in either the transmit or receive circuit. Although any component values generally can be selected for use in transceiver device <b>112</b>, component values are typically selected to provide a desired performance. In space restricted applications, an actual size of components is a factor to consider for selecting component values. Typically, capacitor values are on the order of micro-farads or picoFarads. In other applications, power dissipation and signal bandwidth are factors to consider for properly selecting component values. Thus, selection of components can differ depending on a particular application.

0109In a specific application, transducer <b>113</b> is selected to have a maximum number of effective ampere-turns so that a predetermined amount of power is dissipated in lumped loss element resistor R<b>112</b>. Typically, R<b>112</b> represents a majority of losses in the transmit path. Transmitter <b>102</b> and each passive component has its own loss element but this is generally minimal.

0110Although 12 MHZ is a typical resonant frequency, for transmitting or receiving a selected carrier frequency can be any suitable setting such as between 0.5 and 60 MHZ.

0111As previously discussed, a reactance of the transmit circuitry including C<b>111</b>, C<b>114</b>, R<b>112</b> and transducer <b>113</b> can be reduced so that the circuit has only real impedance components. Thus, the resonant frequency, ω_o, is defined by:

0112<maths id="MATH-US-00001" num="00001"><math overflow="scroll"><mrow><msub><mi>ω</mi><mi>o</mi></msub><mo>=</mo><mfrac><mn>1</mn><msqrt><mrow><mrow><mrow><msub><mi>L</mi><mn>113</mn></msub><mo>(</mo><mi>C111</mi><mo></mo></mrow><mo>⁢</mo><mi>C114</mi></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></msqrt></mfrac></mrow></math></maths><img file="US7142811B2_D0001.tif" />

0113Given a carrier frequency generally centered around 12.0 MHZ, transducer <b>113</b> can be 1.5 μH while C<b>111</b> and C<b>114</b> can be respectively 33 pF (picoFarads) and 84.3 pF.

0114Efficiency factor, Q, of the circuit can be approximately 40 depending on components selected resulting in resistance R<b>112</b>, inductance of transducer <b>113</b> (noted above as L₁₁₃), and capacitor divider C<b>111</b> and C<b>114</b>. For example, the efficiency Q can be defined as the energy stored by transducer <b>113</b> in its magnetic field divided by the energy dissipated by the overall transmitter circuit. Using RMS (Root Mean Squared) voltages and currents, the following approximate equations reflect attributes of the circuit while in a transmit mode:

0115<maths id="MATH-US-00002" num="00002"><math overflow="scroll"><mtable><mtr><mtd><mrow><mi>Q</mi><mo>=</mo><mi /><mo>⁢</mo><mrow><mfrac><msub><mi>V</mi><mn>113</mn></msub><msub><mi>V</mi><mi>IN</mi></msub></mfrac><mo>⁢</mo><mrow><mo>(</mo><mfrac><mrow><mi>C111</mi><mo>+</mo><mi>C114</mi></mrow><mi>C111</mi></mfrac><mo>)</mo></mrow></mrow></mrow></mtd></mtr><mtr><mtd><mrow><msub><mi>P</mi><mi>R112</mi></msub><mo>=</mo><mi /><mo>⁢</mo><mrow><msup><mrow><mo>(</mo><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>113</mn></msub><mo>)</mo></mrow><mn>2</mn></msup><mo>·</mo><mi>R112</mi></mrow></mrow></mtd></mtr></mtable></math></maths><img file="US7142811B2_D0002.tif" /><br /> where

0116P_R112=power dissipated in resistor R<b>112</b>

0117Q=efficiency or quality factor of the circuit

0118V_in=output voltage of transmitter <b>102</b>

0119V₁₁₃=voltage across transducer <b>113</b>

0120F_o=resonant frequency

0000Typical values for the circuit are:

0121F_o=12 MHz

0122P_R112=25 mW (milliwatts)

0123Q=40

0124L₁₁₃=1.5 μpH (microhemries)

0125C<b>111</b>=33 pF (picofarad)

0126C<b>114</b>=84.3 pF (picofarad)

0127R<b>112</b>=2.8 ohms

0128data throughput rate=204 kilobits/second

0129Bandwidth around carrier frequency=300 Kilohertz

0130Approximate range of transceiver=1.5 meters

0131One factor to consider when selecting a transducer <b>113</b> impedance is electric field coupling between a remote transmitter and transducer <b>113</b>. For example, if the impedance of transducer <b>113</b> is too high, it produces signals as a result of electric field coupling (with remote transducers) rather than or in addition to magnetic field coupling. Typically, the inductance of transducer <b>113</b> is selected to substantially support inductive coupling. Thus, continuous coupling can be supported between transducer <b>113</b> and a remote device without nulls as sometimes experienced with RF devices.

0132Component values for capacitors are generally selected so they are larger than the parasitic capacitance of the circuit board and corresponding traces, including parasitic output capacitance of transmitter <b>102</b> and input capacitance of receiver <b>108</b> potentially disposed in an electronic device such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

0133As previously discussed, a component value of inductor L<b>115</b> is selected to cancel capacitive effects of C<b>111</b>. When L<b>115</b> is properly selected, a low impedance path is generally created so that C<b>114</b>, C<b>116</b> and C<b>106</b> are effectively in parallel with each other and transducer <b>113</b>.

0134<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a circuit diagram including an adjustable varactor capacitor in which a transducer is tuned for receiving according to certain principles of the present invention. In addition to components as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> includes adjustable varactor capacitor VC<b>106</b> (in lieu of C<b>106</b>), bias generator <b>110</b>, resistor R<b>118</b> and capacitor C<b>120</b>.

0135Transducer <b>113</b> can be tuned for receiving based upon adjustments to varactor capacitor VC<b>106</b>.

0136As previously discussed, receiver amplifier <b>108</b> can be coupled for receiving over transducer <b>113</b> by setting switches S<b>105</b> and S<b>104</b> to position ‘R’. While in the receive mode, an inductance of inductor L<b>115</b> approximately cancels a reactance of capacitor C<b>111</b> for effectively connecting transducer <b>113</b> via a low impedance path to capacitor C<b>116</b> and varactor capacitor VC<b>106</b> through resistor R<b>112</b>. Varactor capacitor VC<b>106</b>, capacitor C<b>116</b>, capacitor C<b>114</b> and transducer <b>113</b> form a parallel tunable LC tank circuit in which varactor capacitor VC<b>106</b> is tuned to increase reception of a wireless signal as detected at the input of receiver amplifier <b>108</b>.

0137Bias generator <b>110</b> generates a voltage that is applied to VC<b>106</b> through resistor R<b>118</b>. The voltage of bias generator <b>110</b> is adjusted to select a capacitance of VC<b>106</b>. Consequently, transducer <b>113</b> and related circuitry can be tuned to receive a wireless signal at a particular carrier frequency.

0138Resistor <b>118</b> provides resistive isolation between bias generator <b>110</b> and the received signal while capacitor C<b>120</b> provides DC (Direct Current) isolation between bias generator <b>110</b> and receiver amplifier <b>108</b>.

0139Although bias generator <b>110</b> can be controlled by many types of devices, bias generator <b>110</b> is typically a voltage source controlled by a microprocessor and related circuitry to adjust characteristics of the circuit and tune transducer <b>113</b> to receive at a particular carrier frequency.

0140<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a varactor capacitor and tuning a transducer for receiving according to certain principles of the present invention.

0141In step <b>310</b>, transducer <b>113</b> is coupled to receiver amplifier <b>108</b> by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘R’.

0142In step <b>320</b>, transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> is decoupled from transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘R’.

0143In step <b>330</b>, a wireless signal is received over transducer <b>113</b>.

0144In step <b>340</b>, the signal at input or output of receiver <b>108</b> is measured.

0145In step <b>350</b>, the capacitance of varactor capacitor VC<b>106</b> is adjusted via the voltage supplied by generator <b>110</b> to increase or maximize the received signal strength at the input of receiver amplifier <b>108</b>.

0146Generally, this same procedure can be utilized to set the transceiver device <b>112</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> for receiving. In this instance, capacitor C<b>106</b> and C<b>114</b> are adjusted for receiving at a particular carrier frequency.

0147<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a circuit diagram including an adjustable varactor capacitor in which a transducer is tuned for transmitting according to certain principles of the present invention. Generally, the circuit in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is similar to that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> except varactor capacitor VC<b>114</b>, inductor L<b>117</b>, and capacitor C<b>120</b> are provided to adjust characteristics of the circuit for transmitting over transducer <b>113</b>.

0148During operation and as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> is switched for transmitting over transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘T’ while receiver amplifier <b>108</b> is decoupled from transducer <b>113</b> and related circuitry by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘T’.

0149Capacitor C<b>111</b>, varactor capacitor VC<b>114</b> and transducer <b>113</b> generally form a tunable LC circuit while in the transmit mode. Typically, varactor capacitor VC<b>106</b> is adjusted to increase or maximize a transmit signal strength as measured at a magnetic loop probe located in proximity to transducer <b>113</b>.

0150A voltage, Vs, is applied at inductor L<b>117</b> as shown to select a capacitance of VC<b>114</b>. This voltage can be a DC voltage supplied from any suitable electronic device or component such as a D/A (Digital-to-Analog) converter.

0151Although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a specific technique for providing a bias to node V of VC<b>114</b>, other similar techniques can be utilized to select an effective capacitance of VC<b>114</b> for tuning the circuit.

0152Inductor L<b>117</b> is typically provided to isolate voltage source Vs from VC<b>114</b> so that a signal supplied to transducer <b>113</b> is not effected by voltage supply, Vs. Capacitor C<b>120</b> is a blocking capacitor that isolates DC (Direct Current) components of the voltage generated by voltage source Vs from appearing across transducer <b>113</b>.

0153<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a varactor capacitor for transmitting over a transducer according to certain principles of the present invention.

0154In step <b>510</b>, transducer <b>113</b> is coupled to transmitter <b>102</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘T’.

0155In step <b>520</b>, receiver amplifier <b>108</b> is decoupled from transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘T’.

0156In step <b>525</b>, a signal is generated at transmitter <b>102</b> to transmit a wireless signal over transducer <b>113</b>.

0157In step <b>527</b>, the generated wireless signal is measured to determine a magnetic field strength.

0158In step <b>530</b>, the capacitance of varactor capacitor VC<b>114</b> is adjusted via a voltage supplied by source Vs to increase or maximize the transmitted signal from transducer <b>113</b>. A magnetic loop probe can be located in proximity to transducer <b>113</b> for monitoring a corresponding generated magnetic field. For example, a range of voltages can be applied to varactor capacitor VC<b>114</b> to determine which of multiple potential settings is preferred for transmitting data information at a particular carrier frequency.

0159<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a circuit including an adjustable transducer device according to certain principles of the present invention. Generally, adjustable transducer <b>213</b> is tuned for transmitting at a particular carrier frequency. Capacitor C<b>114</b> can be fixed instead of being adjustable as illustrated in previous figures.

0160To operate in a transmit mode, transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> is coupled to transducer <b>213</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘T’ while receiver amplifier <b>108</b> is decoupled from variable inductor transducer <b>213</b> by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘T’. While in this mode, capacitor C<b>111</b>, fixed capacitor C<b>114</b> and variable inductor antenna <b>113</b> generally form a tunable LC tank circuit.

0161Variable inductor transducer <b>213</b> can be adjusted to maximize or increase a magnetic field generated by transducer <b>213</b>. For instance, transducer <b>213</b> can be adjusted while a monitor such as a magnetic loop probe located in proximity to transducer <b>213</b> monitors a wireless signal generated by transducer <b>213</b> to determine which of multiple potential settings is optimal for transmitting over adjustable transducer <b>213</b>.

0162Depending on the application, an inductance value of adjustable transducer <b>213</b> can be varied manually or automatically.

0163<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a variable inductor transducer for transmitting according to certain principles of the present invention.

0164In step <b>710</b>, transducer <b>213</b> is coupled to transmitter <b>102</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘T’.

0165In step <b>720</b>, receiver amplifier <b>108</b> is decoupled from transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘T’.

0166In step <b>725</b>, a signal is generated at transmitter <b>102</b> to transmit a wireless signal over transducer <b>213</b>.

0167In step <b>727</b>, the generated wireless signal is measured to determine a magnetic field strength.

0168In step <b>730</b>, the inductance of transducer <b>213</b> is adjusted to increase or maximize the wireless signal generated by transducer <b>213</b>. A magnetic loop probe can be located in proximity to transducer <b>213</b> for monitoring a corresponding generated magnetic field. For example, transducer <b>213</b> can be adjusted while the magnetic field is monitored to determine which of multiple potential settings is preferred for transmitting data information at a particular carrier frequency.

0169<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a circuit diagram including a capacitor bank for tuning a transducer device according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, this circuit illustrates an embodiment including capacitors C<b>114</b>A . . . C<b>114</b>N and corresponding switches S<b>120</b>A . . . S<b>120</b>N for tuning transducer <b>113</b>.

0170To operate in a transmit mode, transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> is coupled to transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> in position ‘T’ while receiver amplifier <b>108</b> is decoupled from transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>105</b> in the ‘T’ position. Capacitors <b>114</b>A . . . <b>114</b>N form a capacitor bank and switches S<b>120</b>A . . . S<b>120</b>N form a switch bank that connect corresponding capacitors C<b>114</b> to ground.

0171When a switch S<b>120</b> is closed, i.e., a low impedance path is provided between a corresponding capacitor and ground. An effective capacitance of the capacitor is then imparted at node P to increase the overall capacitance at node P. Conversely, when a switch S<b>120</b> is open, i.e., a high impedance path is provided between a corresponding capacitor and ground, a corresponding capacitor C<b>114</b> is effectively removed from the circuit so that this extra capacitance is no longer imparted at node P.

0172In one embodiment, switches S<b>120</b> are FET (Field Effect Transistor) or BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) transistor devices controlled by a microprocessor device. However, any type of mechanical or electronic switch can be used.

0173Capacitor C<b>111</b>, selected capacitors C<b>114</b> (those coupled to ground via switches S<b>120</b>) and transducer <b>113</b> form a tunable LC tank circuit. Capacitors C<b>114</b>A . . . C<b>114</b>N are switched into and out of the circuit to maximize or increase a magnetic signal generated by transducer <b>113</b>. For example, capacitor bank C<b>114</b>A . . . C<b>114</b>N can be adjusted while a monitor such as a magnetic loop probe located in proximity to transducer <b>113</b> monitors a signal generated by transducer <b>113</b> to determine which of multiple potential settings is optimal for transmitting.

0174<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for adjusting a capacitance provided by a capacitor bank that tunes a transducer for transmitting according to certain principles of the present invention.

0175In step <b>910</b>, transducer <b>113</b> is coupled to transmitter <b>102</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘T’.

0176In step <b>920</b>, receiver amplifier <b>108</b> is decoupled from transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘T’.

0177In step <b>925</b>, a signal is generated at transmitter <b>102</b> to transmit a wireless signal over transducer <b>113</b>.

0178In step <b>927</b>, the generated wireless signal is measured to determine a magnetic field strength.

0179In step <b>930</b>, the capacitance provided by capacitor bank C<b>114</b> is adjusted via switches S<b>120</b> to increase, maximize or optimize a magnetic signal transmitted from transducer <b>113</b> for a particular application. A magnetic loop probe can be located in proximity to transducer <b>113</b> for monitoring a corresponding generated magnetic field. For example, a capacitance at node P can be adjusted while a magnetic field generated by transducer <b>113</b> is monitored. Consequently, settings for the circuit in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> can be optimized for transmitting data information at a particular carrier frequency. These settings as discussed can be learned and then stored in memory.

0180<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a circuit diagram including transducers for transmitting a wireless signal and a transducer for receiving a wireless signal according to certain principles of the present invention. Although switch S<b>105</b> can include multiple positions for coupling receiver <b>108</b> to either transducer X, transducer Y, transducer Z or loop <b>119</b> for receiving, receiver circuitry including S<b>105</b>, L<b>115</b>, C<b>116</b>, C<b>106</b> and receiver <b>108</b> can be duplicated for each of the transducers or wire loop <b>119</b> so that a magnetic signal can be received over a single selected transducer or multiple transducers simultaneously.

0181As shown, second transducer <b>119</b> can be positioned for receiving a wireless signal transmitted over transducer X, Y or Z, all of which are disposed in a single transceiver device. In one application, transducer <b>119</b> is a wire loop antenna that enables self-tuning of a selected transducer based upon feedback. For example, transducer <b>113</b> can be tuned to transmit a wireless signal based on signal strength of the wireless signal as received at second transducer <b>119</b>.

0182Typically, transducer <b>119</b> or transducer <b>113</b> is fabricated from wire loops, coiled wires, wires, circuit board traces, discreet components, hybrid integrated circuit packages or monolithically integrated portions of integrated circuits. Any suitable transducer device can be employed for transmitting and receiving according to the principles of the present invention.

0183Generally, the circuit as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> operates based upon the principles as previously discussed. However, switch S<b>105</b> can include switch position settings XR, YR, and ZR as shown for respectively coupling a respective transducer X (transducer <b>113</b>), Y or Z and related circuitry to an input of receiver <b>108</b>. Circuit <b>1050</b> and circuit <b>1060</b> respectively include transducer Y and transducer Z and related circuitry that can be coupled to receiver <b>108</b>. Note that each transducer can be driven by a corresponding transmitter device as shown. Alternatively, switch S<b>104</b> can be modified to include multiple switch positions so that transmitter <b>102</b> can drive a selected transducer.

0184Switch position ‘L’ of switch S<b>105</b> renders it possible to couple transducer <b>119</b> to the input of receiver <b>108</b>. Thus, a magnetic signal as transmitted by transducer X, Y or Z can be monitored based on the wireless signal as received at transducer <b>119</b>.

0185Feedback provided by transducer <b>119</b> can be used to tune transducer <b>113</b>. For example, capacitor C<b>114</b> can be adjusted so that a maximal or increased magnetic field is generated by transducer <b>113</b> based on feedback from transducer <b>119</b>.

0186Depending on characteristics or type of transducer <b>119</b>, the circuit as shown can be modified for properly receiving a corresponding wireless signal at receiver <b>108</b>.

0187As discussed, circuit <b>1050</b> and circuit <b>1060</b> each can include a transducer similar to transducer <b>113</b> and corresponding circuitry for tuning. For example, circuit <b>1050</b> and circuit <b>1060</b> each can include a transducer device similar to transducer <b>113</b>. Also, each circuit <b>1050</b> and circuit <b>1060</b> can include corresponding components such as R<b>112</b>, C<b>114</b>, and C<b>111</b>, similar to the circuitry shown for transducer <b>113</b>.

0188Based upon switching of switch S<b>105</b>, a corresponding transducer can be coupled via circuit path including L<b>115</b>, C<b>116</b> and C<b>106</b> to the input of receiver <b>108</b>. Capacitor C<b>106</b> can be adjusted for tuning a transducer for receiving a wireless signal. Thus, a single receiver <b>108</b> and related circuitry can be adjusted or tuned to receive a wireless signal over a selected one of multiple transducers. Also, transducer X, Y or Z can be adjusted for transmitting a corresponding wireless signal. In one application, transducers X, Y and Z are uniquely positioned so that they are orthogonal to each other.

0189Transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> can be coupled to transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘T’ while transmitter amplifiers in circuits <b>1050</b> and <b>1060</b> are decoupled from their associated transducer Y and Z by setting their corresponding switches to an open position.

0190Receiver <b>108</b> is coupled to transducer <b>119</b> by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘L’. However, after an optimal setting is identified for transmitting over a particular transducer, switch S<b>105</b> can be switched to receive on one of the other transducers. Thus, receiver <b>108</b> also can be switched to receive a wireless signal from a remotely located source.

0191A combination of capacitor C<b>111</b>, capacitor C<b>114</b> and transducer <b>113</b> form a tunable LC circuit, in which capacitor C<b>114</b> is tuned to maximize or increase the magnetic signal strength as generated by transducer <b>113</b>. Transducer <b>119</b> is typically positioned in reasonable proximity such as within centimeters or millimeters of transducer <b>113</b> for receiving the corresponding wireless signal generated by transducer <b>113</b>. The strength of the received wireless signal can be measured at the output of receiver amplifier <b>108</b>. This feedback process also can be used to tune transducer Y or transducer Z when switches are set to YT or ZT respectively.

0192In one embodiment, each transducer device is uniquely positioned with respect to each other. For example, three transducers such as transducers X, Y, and Z can be orthogonally disposed to each other along an X, Y and Z axis for transmitting and receiving one or multiple wireless signals. Based upon this configuration, a continuous wireless link can be supported with a remote target device such as that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, even though an orientation of transducers changes as a result of motion.

0193<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for tuning a transducer according to certain principles of the present invention.

0194In step <b>1110</b>, transducer <b>113</b> is coupled to transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘XT’.

0195In step <b>1120</b>, receiver amplifier <b>108</b> is coupled to transducer <b>119</b> by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘L’. Transducer <b>119</b> can be tuned to receive at the same carrier frequency as the magnetic field transmitted by transducer <b>113</b>. This can be achieved by adjusting capacitance of C<b>116</b>.

0196In one application, transducer <b>119</b> is tested at a factory and preferred capacitance settings for each of multiple carrier frequencies are recorded in memory for later use. For example, transducer <b>119</b> is exposed to a wireless signal having a known carrier frequency and capacitance C<b>106</b> is adjusted so that a maximal signal is received at receiver <b>108</b>. Thus, transducer <b>119</b> can thereafter be tuned for optimally receiving a wireless signal at the carrier frequency based on capacitor settings as stored in memory.

0197In step <b>1122</b>, a wireless signal is transmitted over transducer <b>113</b>.

0198In step <b>1124</b>, part of this transmitted signal is received over transducer <b>119</b>.

0199In step <b>1126</b>, the wireless signal as received over transducer <b>119</b> is measured at receiver <b>108</b>.

0200In step <b>1130</b>, capacitor C<b>114</b> is adjusted so that an increased or maximal signal as generated by transducer <b>113</b> is received at the input of receiver amplifier <b>108</b> for a particular carrier frequency.

0201The strength of the wireless signal generated by transducer <b>113</b> as received at receiver <b>108</b> can be measured for tuning transducer <b>113</b>. For example, the voltage level of the received signal at receiver <b>108</b> can indicate a relative signal strength of the received magnetic field generated by transducer <b>113</b>. Other methods of measuring the power level of the wireless signal also can be employed to provide a relative measure of received signal strength.

0202Based on a power level of the received magnetic field at transducer <b>119</b>, transducer <b>113</b> can be tuned to transmit an increased signal. In other words, capacitor C<b>114</b> can be swept through a range of potential capacitance settings so that an optimal setting can be identified for a particular environment in which the transceiver device operates. Accordingly, settings can be learned and stored in memory for later use.

0203<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a circuit diagram of a transceiver system including multiple transducers for transmitting and receiving wireless signals according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, switch S<b>105</b> can be set to receive over either transducer X (transducer <b>113</b>), transducer Y or transducer Z. Circuitry <b>150</b> for driving transducer <b>113</b> (transducer X) can be duplicated in circuits <b>1050</b> and <b>1060</b> for transmitting over transducer Y or Z as previously discussed. Accordingly, one of multiple transducers in a transducer device can be selected for transmitting while a different transducer can be selected for receiving. As discussed, one purpose for tuning a selected transducer is to increase its generated field strength.

0204In a specific example, transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> is coupled to transmit over transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘XT’ while a second transducer is selected via switch S<b>105</b> to receive a wireless signal for tuning transducer <b>113</b>. More specifically, switch S<b>105</b> as shown is set to position ‘YR’ for receiving over transducer Y. Alternatively, switch S<b>105</b> can be set to optional position T, thus disconnecting receiver <b>108</b> from all transducers to reduce power consumption or circuit interference. For this discussion, assume receiver <b>108</b> is coupled to receive over transducer Y and switch S<b>104</b> is set to position ‘YR’ as shown.

0205As previously discussed, capacitor C<b>111</b>, capacitor C<b>114</b> and transducer <b>113</b> form a tunable LC circuit, in which capacitor C<b>114</b> is tuned to transmit at an optimal signal strength. Generally, a magnetic signal can be transmitted over transducer <b>113</b> while attributes of the transmitted magnetic signal are received and monitored over transducer Y. Hence, transducer <b>113</b> can be tuned to optimally transmit based on feedback received at transducer Y.

0206Conversely, a receiving transducer and related circuitry can be adjusted to optimally receive a signal that is transmitted by a selected transducer. For example, capacitor C<b>106</b> can be adjusted to optimally receive a wireless signal as generated by transducer X.

0207Since coupling is based on induction, the orientation of a transducer can effect whether a signal is detected. If the transmitted magnetic signal does not couple to transducer Y due to its orientation, another transducer can be selected to monitor the wireless signal from the transducer X. For example, switch S<b>105</b> can be switched to receive over transducer Z instead of transducer Y if no signal is detected. However, since transducers are typically located within less than several inches from each other, coupling is very likely for all transducers even when the transducers are positioned substantially orthogonal to each other.

0208Based on the techniques as discussed, any one of multiple transducers can be tuned for optimally transmitting or receiving during field use. That is, a transceiver device need not be returned to the factory for testing and adjusting characteristics of the circuit. It can be adjusted during normal operational use of the transceiver device. Thus, a transceiver device incorporating the principles of the present invention can adapt itself to provide optimal, improved or continuous coupling with a remote device despite operation of the device in an ever-changing environment. A power supply energizing the transceiver will last longer because the transceiver device is optimally linked to a target device. More specifically, circuits can be tuned so that minimal energy is dissipated while generating a maximum magnetic field.

0209<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a flow chart illustrating a method for tuning a transducer for transmitting or receiving according to certain principles of the present invention.

0210In step <b>1310</b>, transducer <b>113</b> is coupled to transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘XT’.

0211In step <b>1320</b>, receiver amplifier <b>108</b> is coupled to transducer Y by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘YR’. Typically, transducer YR is tuned to receive at the same carrier frequency as transmitted by transducer <b>113</b>. This can be achieved by adjusting capacitance at C<b>106</b>.

0212In step <b>1322</b>, a wireless signal is transmitted over transducer X.

0213In step <b>1324</b>, the transmitted signal from transducer X is received over transducer Y.

0214In step <b>1326</b>, the signal as received over transducer Y is measured at receiver <b>108</b>.

0215In step <b>1330</b>, a capacitance provided by capacitor C<b>114</b> is adjusted so that an increased, optimal or maximal signal as generated by transducer X is received at the input of receiver amplifier <b>108</b> for a particular carrier frequency.

0216In step <b>1340</b>, a wireless signal is transmitted over transducer X.

0217In step <b>1350</b>, a capacitance of C<b>106</b> can be adjusted so that transducer Y and related circuitry is tuned for optimally receiving. For example, transducer Y and related circuitry are adjusted to optimally receive a wireless signal transmitted by transducer X.

0218The strength of the wireless signal generated by transducer <b>113</b> as received at receiver <b>108</b> over transducer Y is optionally measured for tuning transducer <b>113</b> or transducer Y. For example, the voltage level of the received signal at receiver <b>108</b> can indicate a relative signal strength of the received magnetic field generated by transducer <b>113</b>. Other methods of measuring the power level of the wireless signal also can be employed to provide a relative measure of received signal strength.

0219Based on the actual or estimated power level of the received magnetic field at transducer <b>119</b>, transducer X, transducer Y, or transducer Z can be selectively tuned to transmit or receive an increased magnetic signal. In one application, capacitor C<b>114</b> or C<b>106</b> can be swept through a range of potential capacitance settings to learn which setting is optimal for transmitting or receiving over a corresponding transducer.

0220<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a circuit diagram for tuning a transducer for receiving according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, transducer <b>118</b> is provided for generating a magnetic field that is received over selected transducer <b>113</b>.

0221To adjust a transducer such as transducer X for receiving, receiver amplifier <b>108</b> of transceiver <b>100</b> is coupled to transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>105</b> to position ‘XR’ while transmitter amplifier <b>102</b> is decoupled from transducer <b>113</b> by setting switch S<b>104</b> to position ‘R’. Transmitter <b>117</b> is coupled to transducer <b>118</b> through capacitor <b>120</b> when switch S<b>103</b> is set to position ‘T’.

0222Similar to the techniques as previously discussed, capacitor C<b>106</b> can be adjusted to tune transducer <b>113</b> for receiving a wireless signal generated by transducer <b>118</b>. Specifically, capacitor C<b>106</b> can be swept through a range of potential capacitance settings to determine which setting provides an optimal setting for receiving over transducer <b>113</b>.

0223Switch S<b>105</b> also can be switched to select a mode for receiving over transducer Y or Z. Thus, transducer Y or Z can be optimally tuned for receiving a wireless signal generated by transducer <b>118</b>.

0224<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a circuit diagram for tuning one of multiple transducers according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, separate circuits are provided for transmitting and receiving over a corresponding transducer. For example, circuit <b>185</b> is dedicated to transducer <b>113</b> for transmitting and receiving. Circuit <b>186</b> and circuit <b>187</b> include similar components as shown for circuit <b>185</b>. However, circuit <b>186</b> and <b>187</b> are employed to receive and transmit over transducer Y of circuit <b>186</b> and transducer Z of circuit <b>187</b>, respectively. In other words, circuit <b>185</b> can be replicated for transmitting and receiving over multiple transducers.

0225Circuitry including receiver <b>108</b>, switch S<b>110</b>, capacitor bank C<b>4010</b> and switch bank S<b>4020</b> can be disposed so that they are common to all circuits. For example, switch S<b>110</b> can be switched to receive over one of multiple transducers such as orthogonally positioned transducers X, Y and Z. As shown, receiver <b>108</b> is coupled to transducer Y. Since a portion of circuitry is shared among transducers, specific circuitry such as capacitor bank C<b>4010</b>, receiver <b>108</b> and switch bank S<b>4020</b> are not needlessly duplicated for each circuit.

0226In a transmit mode, switch S<b>105</b> as well as complementary switches disposed in circuit <b>186</b> and circuit <b>187</b> can be set to position ‘T’ for decoupling receiver <b>108</b> from a corresponding transducer.

0227Based upon this configuration, a single transducer or multiple transducers can be tuned and driven at the same time using a common carrier frequency or different carrier frequencies. In a receive mode, a selected one of multiple transducers can be individually tuned for receiving a wireless signal via coupling provided by switch S<b>110</b>.

0228<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a circuit diagram for transmitting and receiving over one of multiple transducers according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, minimal circuit components can be employed to tune a transducer for transmitting or receiving at a particular carrier frequency.

0229Switch S<b>105</b> selects which of multiple transducers such as transducer X, transducer Y (in circuit <b>196</b>) or transducer Z (in circuit <b>197</b>) will be tuned for receiving at receiver <b>108</b>. Common circuitry shared by the multiple transducers includes receiver <b>108</b>, capacitor bank C<b>4010</b>, switch bank S<b>4020</b>, C<b>116</b> and L<b>115</b>. Generally, the circuitry shown in circuit <b>195</b> can be replicated in circuit <b>196</b> to receive/transmit over transducer Y and circuit <b>197</b> to receive/transmit over transducer Z.

0230To transmit over a particular transducer, switch S<b>104</b> or its complement in circuit <b>196</b> or <b>197</b> is set to position ‘T’ while switch S<b>105</b> is set to receive over another transducer. For illustrative purposes, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, transmitter <b>102</b> is coupled to drive transducer X while receiver <b>108</b> is coupled to receive over transducer Y.

0231Based upon the circuit configuration as shown, a selected transducer can be tuned for optimally transmitting or receiving a wireless signal. This technique of adjusting each transducer via capacitance provided by capacitor bank <b>4010</b> simplifies tuning multiple transducers, each of which potentially has its own unique electronic characteristics. For example, electronic characteristics of transducer devices can vary from component to component as a result of manufacturing tolerances. Consequently, a single adjustable circuit can be adjusted to dynamically tune each of multiple unique transducer devices for receiving or transmitting.

0232<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a circuit diagram for tuning one of multiple transducers according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, minimal circuit components can be employed to tune a selected transducer for transmitting or receiving at a particular carrier frequency. Components in circuit <b>175</b> including C<b>111</b>, C<b>114</b>, R<b>112</b> and transducer <b>113</b> (transducer X) can be duplicated in circuit <b>176</b> and circuit <b>177</b>. Circuit <b>176</b> includes transducer Y while circuit <b>177</b> includes transducer Z.

0233Switch S<b>105</b> can be switched to select which, if any, of multiple receivers will be coupled to receiver <b>108</b> for receiving. As shown, switch S<b>105</b> is set to position YP for receiving a wireless signal over transducer Y.

0234In a similar manner, switch S<b>104</b> can be switched to select which, if any, of multiple transducers will be coupled to transmitter <b>102</b> for transmitting.

0235Based on techniques as previously discussed, one transducer can be tuned for transmitting while another transducer can be tuned for receiving.

0236<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a wireless system for two-way communications according to certain principles of the present invention. The techniques as previously discussed can be used in this embodiment to dynamically tune a transducer dedicated for either transmitting or receiving.

0237As shown, transceiver device <b>2010</b> and transceiver device <b>2060</b> communicate with each other via wireless signals. Each transceiver device can include at least one dedicated transmitter <b>2030</b>, <b>2085</b> (transducer and related circuitry) for transmitting a wireless signal and at least one dedicated receiver <b>2035</b>, <b>2080</b> (transducer and related circuitry) for receiving. A switch can be provided so that one of multiple uniquely oriented transducer devices within a transmitter or receiver can be selected and dynamically tuned for transmitting or receiving a wireless signal as previously discussed.

0238In a forward direction between transceiver <b>2010</b> and transceiver <b>2060</b>, processor <b>2015</b> generates encoded data and transmits a wireless signal from transmitter <b>2030</b> at a selected carrier frequency. For example, a dedicated transducer of transmitter <b>2030</b> can be dynamically tuned to transmit at a selected carrier frequency. Receiver <b>2080</b> is dynamically tuned to receive at the selected carrier frequency and decode the received wireless signal at processor <b>2065</b>.

0239In a reverse direction, processor <b>2065</b> generates encoded data and transmits a wireless signal from transmitter <b>2085</b> at a dynamically selected carrier frequency. Receiver <b>2035</b> is dynamically tuned to receive over the selected carrier frequency and decode the received wireless signal at processor <b>2015</b>.

0240When full duplex communication is supported between transceiver <b>2010</b> and <b>2060</b>, a first carrier frequency can be utilized to transmit/receive information in one direction while a different carrier frequency can be used to transmit/receive information in the opposite direction. Time division multiplexing techniques also can be used to transmit and receive information over a commonly used carrier frequency.

0241Based on this configuration as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, a single dedicated transducer device can be dynamically or electronically tuned for transmitting or receiving at a particular carrier frequency. In the event that other wireless devices are utilizing a similar carrier frequency, interference typically can be avoided during operational use in the field by dynamically tuning a transmitter/receiver pair of the transducers to transmit and receive at another carrier frequency.

0242<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a circuit diagram illustrating a transceiver system for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal over a single transducer according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, certain circuit elements have been eliminated from the transceiver system as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. More specifically, inductor L<b>115</b> and capacitors C<b>106</b> and C<b>116</b> have been eliminated.

0243The transceiver system as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> supports two-way communication over a single transducer device using fewer circuit components. Consequently, the wireless communication system according to the principles of the present invention can occupy a smaller volume and thus fit into yet smaller wireless transceiver devices.

0244To select a transmit mode, both switches S<b>104</b> and S<b>105</b> are set to position T. Capacitor C<b>114</b> is adjusted to tune transducer <b>113</b> for transmitting at a selected carrier frequency similar to the circuits as previously discussed.

0245To select a receive mode, both switches S<b>104</b> and S<b>105</b> are set to position R. Capacitor C<b>114</b> is adjusted to tune transducer <b>113</b> for receiving at a selected carrier frequency. A voltage proportional to a received wireless signal at transducer <b>113</b> is generated at the node connecting C<b>111</b>, C<b>114</b> and R<b>112</b>. This generated voltage or signal is coupled to receiver amplifier <b>108</b> through the circuit path including switch S<b>105</b> and capacitor C<b>111</b>.

0246<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a circuit diagram illustrating yet another transceiver system for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal over a single transducer according to certain principles of the present invention. As shown, adjustable capacitor C<b>114</b> and switch S<b>104</b> have been eliminated from the diagram as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>. Also, capacitor C<b>111</b> has been modified so that it is adjustable. In a addition to potentially occupying yet a smaller volume, the circuit includes only one switch that must be controlled for selecting either a transmit or receive mode.

0247To select a transmit mode, switch S<b>105</b> is set to position T. In this embodiment, capacitor C<b>111</b> is adjusted to tune transducer <b>113</b> for transmitting at a selected carrier frequency. Transmitter <b>102</b> is controlled to produce an output voltage and drive transducer <b>113</b>.

0248To select a receive mode, switch S<b>105</b> is set to position R and the output of transmitter <b>102</b> is driven to a virtual ground. When the end of capacitor C<b>111</b> is switched to ground by setting the output of transmitter <b>102</b>, capacitor C<b>111</b> is effectively disposed in parallel with the combination of R<b>112</b> and transducer <b>113</b>. Similar to the principles as previously discussed, capacitor C<b>111</b> is adjusted to tune transducer <b>113</b> for receiving at a selected carrier frequency. During reception, a voltage proportional to a received wireless signal is generated at the node connecting C<b>111</b>, R<b>112</b> and S<b>105</b>. The generated voltage or signal is coupled to receiver amplifier <b>108</b> through the low impedance circuit path including switch S<b>105</b>.

0249<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a detailed circuit diagram illustrating a transceiver system for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal according to certain principles of the present invention. Generally, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a more detailed circuit diagram illustrating a system and method for providing an adjustable capacitance at C<b>111</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>.

0250A capacitor bank including capacitor C<b>230</b>-<b>1</b>, C<b>230</b>-<b>2</b>, C<b>230</b>-<b>3</b> . . . C<b>230</b>-n are selectively coupled to the output of transmitter <b>102</b> via corresponding switches S<b>240</b>-<b>1</b>, S<b>240</b>-<b>2</b>, S<b>240</b>-<b>3</b> . . . S<b>240</b>-n. Similar to the principles as previously discussed, characteristics of the circuit are adjusted to tune transducer <b>113</b> for transmitting or receiving. More specifically, capacitors C<b>230</b> are switched in and out to adjust a combined capacitance of C<b>111</b> for transmitting or receiving a wireless signal over transducer <b>113</b>.

0251<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a detailed circuit diagram illustrating a transceiver system for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal according to certain principles of the present invention.

0252As shown, C<b>2410</b> is a DC blocking capacitor to keep DC voltages from input of receiver <b>108</b>. C<b>2420</b> can be used to shift the resonant frequency of the receiver (e.g., from 12 to 13 MHz) while R<b>2430</b> can be adjusted to change the Q of the receiver <b>108</b>. This tuning circuit can ensure that the proper impedance is present at the frequency of use. This may be necessary due to variations in the coil impedance.

0253A variable capacitor C<b>106</b> can be used for tuning the receiver. This can be achieved in manufacturing by monitoring the received signal strength and adjusting capacitor C<b>106</b>.

0254Automatic tuning of transducer <b>113</b> for receiving on receiver <b>108</b> can be achieved using a firmware driven capacitor table containing multiple programmable capacitors with 40 pF of range. This capacitor table can be loaded into memory when a transceiver system <b>2400</b> is turned on.

0255In one application, transceiver system <b>2400</b> is a TDD (Time Division Duplex) system that can be configured to alternately transmit and receive in synchronization with a base transceiver unit. During a transmit frame, switch S<b>105</b> is open and one or more of transmitter drivers <b>102</b>-<b>1</b> . . . <b>102</b>-n can be selectively activated (to control power output levels) and to apply a 50% duty GMSK modulated square wave to transducer <b>113</b> and related circuitry. This front-end network, including transducer <b>113</b>, and impedance scaling capacitors form a series tuned band pass filter that is centered at the carrier frequency. The result is a GMSK modulated sine wave coil current.

0256During receive mode, a low impedance of the transmitter driver <b>102</b> can be removed from the circuit. This can be accomplished by setting the drivers to a high output impedance state. Switch S<b>105</b> can be closed and the receiver tuning network switches associated with C<b>106</b> can be adjusted. In this mode, the series tuned band pass response of the transmitter path has been converted into a purely parallel band pass response.

0257While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.